Lost a Tooth? Why It’s So Important That You Restore It Right Away
A lost tooth does more than ruin the appearance of your smile: it can severely affect your entire mouth’s health for years to come. From shifting teeth to bone density loss, a missing tooth can potentially disrupt the delicate balance of your mouth, making you regret not having visited a dentist in Panama City as soon as it happened.
Thanks to treatments like dental implants and bridges, you can easily replace a lost tooth with a professional's help. We created this article to help you understand the importance of these restorative dentistry treatments.
Why Does Tooth Loss Occur, and What Are Its Consequences?
Tooth loss is a cheerful occasion during childhood, showing that you’re growing up healthily and that the Tooth Fairy may be bringing you some money. As an adult, it’s not such a happy sign, too. In fact, tooth loss often means you’re going to lose money as an adult, as it’s a clear indicator that something else is going on.
When tooth loss is not caused by a sudden hit or accident—what we professionally know as trauma—it is often caused by conditions like cavities or gum disease. These illnesses of the mouth need to be treated immediately to prevent further damage from spreading.
Moreover, the lost tooth must be replaced to stop the chain of events a lost tooth can start, which may lead to more teeth falling out in the future.
What Are the Consequences of Tooth Loss for the Health of Your Mouth?
When an adult permanent tooth is lost, it is like toppling the first domino. Other oral health problems like bone loss, shifting teeth, or jaw pain may result from it once it occurs.
Unbeknownst to most, your teeth are constantly exerting pressure one against the other. When suddenly, one member of the chain disappears, this pressure finds no barrier, which causes the surrounding teeth to start shifting towards the empty hole.
The sudden movement of your teeth can potentially disrupt your entire bite. You’ll notice this easily, as it will cause pain when eating and chewing and strain on the TMJ.
Moreover, tooth loss can lead to jawbone density loss. Your mandible’s bones actually gain nutrients from your teeth—but once that source of nutrition is gone, your bone will start receding. This won’t only affect the empty socket but also the teeth surrounding it, as they will progressively find themselves with less support.
In the long run, bone density loss can cause issues like facial sagging from lack of support, speech changes, and, in a worst-case scenario, further tooth loss.
Restore Your Tooth with a Dentist in Panama City
One of the worst aspects of missing teeth is that it leads to bone loss, which can significantly disrupt your overall oral health and even affect your face’s appearance. Luckily, restorative treatments like dental implants can continue stimulating the bone, keeping it from losing its strength.
If you’ve recently experienced tooth loss, contact Forest Park Dental! The effects of missing teeth can be considerably reduced with prompt treatment.
